Summer Legal Fellow 2025

The Center for a New American Security (CNAS), an independent, bipartisan research institution dedicated to developing strong, principled, and pragmatic national security and defense policy prescriptions for a wide audience of security experts, practitioners, and citizens, seeks one legal fellow for Summer 2025 to support its General Counsel in providing advice and counsel to CNAS executive leadership and staff.

This legal fellowship, offered for eight weeks in June–July 2025, is designed to support CNAS efforts in providing next-generation lawyers exposure to and training in the field of national security and national security-related law practice. A modest stipend will be offered.

Responsibilities

• Legal research and analysis in areas including, but not limited to: contracts, compliance, ethics, cybersecurity, privacy, and additional fields relevant to managing a non-profit organization
• Conduct policy and legislative research in support of public engagement and scholarship on issues related to national and homeland security, intelligence law, and democracy/rule of law
• Participate in and contribute to the success of CNAS research initiatives and events

Qualifications

• Open to rising 2Ls, 3Ls, and students in LLM programs related to national security
• Outstanding academic achievement
• An interest in national security, public service, and/or non-profit legal practice
• Leadership potential
• Legal right to work in the United States

Commitment and Location

• Approximately 40 hours per week, 5 days per week
• Eight weeks in June–July 2025
• The fellowship is designed as an in-person opportunity, though compelling hybrid or virtual candidates will be considered

About CNAS:

The Center for a New American Security develops bold, innovative, and bipartisan national security and defense policies that promote and protect American interests and values. Building on the deep expertise and broad experience of its staff and advisors, CNAS engages policymakers, experts, and the public with innovative fact-based research, ideas, and analysis to shape and elevate the national security debate. As an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit research organization, CNAS leads efforts to help inform and prepare the national security leaders of today and tomorrow. CNAS is located in Washington, D.C.

CNAS is a proud equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

CNAS abides by all Federal and District of Columbia employment laws.

To Apply:

CNAS is accepting online applications only. Candidates must apply online using this link:

https://cnas.bamboohr.com/careers/119

A complete application must include a résumé or CV and a one-page cover letter. The cover letter should include a sentence disclosing how, if at all, generative AI tools were used to draft the cover letter and résumé/CV.